The original touch
Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Thai, food tastes best when authentic flavours are not tampered with. And that is what top chefs from the city aim at…
Manpriya Singh

The chef at Black Lotus
The chef at Black Lotus

We all might love Maggi, but that's not Chinese! Sure it is noodles, but still not Chinese. Food lends itself to myriad transformations, every five kilometres the recipe of even a native dish changes. Yet there is nothing quite as authentic as food. We decode some of the most popular cuisines in Chandigarh and how they ought to be served on your plate, irrespective of a hundred things that have happened to them in every busy corner of streets across the world.

Italian special

Haven't we seen onions, green chillies, olives and what not being added to pizzas? Delicious is a subjective concept but if you are out getting a whiff of the authentic flavours, there is a serious problem. Tiramisu is yet another sensitive topic. Chef Antonello Cancedda from Marriott cringes at the thought of Tiramisu being subjected to endless interpretations and modifications. He laughs, "They do a kind of cake and call it Tiramisu. Sometimes it is dry and even hard. They get the concept itself wrong. You should be able to scoop Tiramisu out of bowl and serve on a plate."

Made popular by..

Tiramisu, Pizza and Pasta; the three most popular dishes in the cuisine. "Italian food is extremely popular the world over because of its subtle flavours…the cuisine is all about combination of right ingredients. Not many flavours are mixed in it."

Food faux pas.

Don't we know what they have done to pastas? "They pre-cook the pastas or they over boil it." And if your pizza comes looking a little colourful and busy, here's an update. "We have two kinds of pizzas. In the North of Italy, especially, they are a little thicker, have very few ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, buffalo cheese mozzarella and only San Marzano variety of tomatoes." He adds, "An American Pizza packs in a lot of toppings. So if you see too many ingredients like meats and vegetables, then think it is not Italian." Well, now we know!

Punjabi tadka

Hard as it might be to believe but our cuisine needs a revision too, both by the chef and the connoisseurs. "There is a popular misconception that Punjabi food is very spicy. It is not mild or subtle for sure, but it is not spicy either. It is only rich in taste and that can be credited to a liberal usage of desi ghee and butter," updates Chef Taranjot Singh from Barbeque Nation.

Made popular by.

"They have to be Sarson Da Saag, Amritsari Kulchas and Chole Bhature… what makes the cuisine popular is the flavour of grinded spices, the taste of cream and desi ghee."

Food Faux pas.

"We all know what goes into Dal Makhni. The dish is all about right preparation. A lot of cooks burn the dish to arrive at the rich smoky flavour." He adds, "I recall having Punjabi food at Indore and they got it better than so many places here. It was more authentic than what various restaurants in the city serve." There you go!

Thai platter

By now the city and its people have developed a fair palate for the cuisine. The one that has been quite late than Chinese in entering the market but has, nevertheless, taken it by storm. "In Thai cuisine we have to cover all of Asia. It is about coming together of several South East Asian traditions," shares Chef Shankar from Orchid Lounge. "Thai food is also renowned to be spicy, but there are different and milder versions of every dish. For instance the coconut curries have a light and sweet flavour." He adds, "Some of the necessary Thai ingredients are lemongrass, gallanghal, Thai ginger and shrimp paste."

Made popular by.

Even though almost every dish in the cuisine is popular, courtesy the country itself being the most popular destination, "Thai red curry and Thai green curry are by far the most popular dishes in Thai food."

Food faux pas.

"In a desperate attempt to make the food taste and smell like Thai food, they either use too many lemon leaves or too much of lemongrass or both." He adds, "Getting the right ingredients is difficult too since most of them are not available here."

Japanese journey

Don't we have sushi available at a couple of places in the city? Before they come up with a localised version unrecognizable from the original, here's what it should be like. "People still here don't have a palate for Japanese food…Sushi in its original form is called sashimi and is primarily about raw fish," shares Dilsher Sukhija, from Hotel Icon. Rice, raw fish, seaweed, pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce are just some of the ingredients and accompaniments a sushi must have.

Made popular by.

Sushi and Teppanyaki style of cooking.

Food faux pas.

"Raw fish cannot be cut just about anyway. It needs to be cut very precisely and transported all the more carefully at a certain temperature," shares Surinder Singh, GM. The Taj.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Beauty & the screen
Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa, who is eagerly looking forward to her upcoming movie with Gurdas Maan, Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, says it's a complete family entertainer
Manpriya Singh

A still from Dil Vil Pyar Vyar
A still from Dil Vil Pyar Vyar

It is the crucial week before a Friday and perhaps, it has been a hectic day for her. "We first went to Panjab University and then Chandigarh University. It's just that I am not so well at the moment," Neeru Bajwa isn't exactly at her talkative best. Any permission for a photograph meets with a polite no and responses pertaining to the film are, at best, monosyllables stretched out into a few words. In a short conversation with the Punjabi film actress just before the release of her upcoming film Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, starring Gurdas Maan and Jassi Gill, she says "I play the character of a girl called Prabhjot. She comes from a middle class family and she has a lot of financial problems. The story is about how she meets a man, played by Gurdas Maan, who in turn has his set of problems."

Box-office hasn't been particularly friendly with the Punjabi film industry lately. Any mention of a romantic comedy sounds jinxed. Nevertheless, what genre would she put the film into? "I would call it a family entertainer."

It's been a year since the enthusiastic announcement of her production venture. The plans for which, "are very much there…We shifted projects due to various reasons. But whenever we are out with the venture, it'll be a completely different film," she draws a distinction between projects delayed and projects shelved.

As for the current film, the title can easily be mistaken with a Bollywood venture starring a host of newcomers. "The title is completely the director's call. The film has various flavours and elements to it and the title borrows from it…the film is not based on just one person. Every character contributes to take the story forward."

Coming up is Aage Munde UK De Part 2. Sounds like yet another Punjabi outing. She adds, "It's a sequel. Like in Jatt and Juliet 2, you saw the characters retain the essence and camaraderie. It is a completely different film."

The dream role of something like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is anything but likely to happen anytime soon. "When and if the Punjabi audience is ready for that sort of a thing." Meanwhile, "I love making films and this is what I intend to continue with as of now." There hasn't been much time lately to catch up with cinema, "I really want to see Disco Singh, haven't seen it yet…." And we leave it at that!

pet passion
An exotic family
Amarjot Kaur

For only the soul that feeds on variety, aches for something different, and often finds something unique. Driven by his passion for animals, Vinod Kumar aka Sonu lists a series of reasons validating his love for rare species; reasons, which are intriguing as well as amusing.

Tracking the memory of his early childhood, Sonu recollects some instances that kindled his love for animals. "I would get a new pet home every other day and my folks were often vexed at my behaviour," says Sonu, who now owns a pet shop and dog parlour in Sector 20. Today, Sonu owns a variety of rare species, including white mouse, white Persian cats, budgerigars, cockatiels, lovebirds, and sugar glider. He talks to us about the pets who he connects with and why.

Love me, love my pets

Since marriage is quite like a religion in India, there is no better way to express your love to your pet than to have them at your wedding as baratis. Withstanding the expression of utter amazement, Sonu shares with us that his pets were a part of his wedding and there was also an exclusive lunch arranged specifically for them. "I love my pets to bits and they were the official baratis at the wedding ceremony. They were treated to a grand lunch and were also a part of the cake cutting ceremony," smiles Sonu.

Vinod Kumar with his pets
Vinod Kumar with his pets

While talking about his favourite pets, Sonu waxes eloquent about his African great parrot, named Scooby, who he is attached to. "Scooby is way more intelligent than any other animal that I have come across. He understands everything and communicates with you," shares Sonu, while adding that every time someone in the home reaches for the door to get out, Scooby has the most pitiable expression on his face that almost makes one's heart melt. "Also, he shakes hands with me when he needs food! He's way too fond of omelette," says Sonu, and his voice quivers with an evident emotional undercurrent.

Yours faithfully

Another one of his favourite pets is a pit bull named Oscar, who he refused to sell even when he was offered Rs 3 lakh. "In November last year, Oscar participated in the dog show that was held in Ludhiana. A family there loved him so much that they made an offer of Rs 3 lakh for Oscar, but I didn't have the heart to give it away," says Sonu. Well, it's true what they say about there are some things that money can't buy! For now, Sonu is busy training the Australian flying squirrels, Sugar Gliders, and he is the first one to have them in Chandigarh. "Well, it's always good to train a pet when they are growing up, but these sugar gliders are a year old and they are taking most of my time these days," he signs off.

amarjot@gmail.com

vanity box
Peach perfect
Shimmer is out. Sheer is in. Peach and coral are the colours to look out for if you want to wear that healthy glowing complexion this summer
Manpriya Singh

Don't the summer calls for a healthy sun kissed glow? It doesn't take a worked up tan in the Caribbean to look like a summer goddess. Ditch the shimmer and festive make-up, go sheer, oil free and water based, all in one go and yes on the same face. Time to revise some simple basic rules to look great even when it's freaking hot.

Romancing colours

This season comes with its own set of colour palette. The romantic sunset colour range flatters everyone right from the fair skinned to the dusky complexioned. Rub a peach, the evergreen summer colour or a coral, if you are slightly on the darker side. "The essence of summer make-up is that it has to be light, because of the heat. At the same time, it also has to be waterproof because one tends to sweat a lot," make- up artist Ritu from Ali's Midaas goes over some of the basics. She adds, "As for the colours, going by the demands of the clients, copper and red have been extremely popular. Even for eye shadows, copper colour is a huge favourite. However, personally I feel, during the summer, one can never go wrong with a light brown on the lips."

Get glowing

Bronze is the key to getting the right glow. As much as the glow is desirable, sheen is avoidable. As much as possible, stay clear of bronzers with shimmer as they can make one look made up and festive rather than fresh and summery. To achieve the air brushed and natural effect, dust a matte bronzer using feathery strokes with a fluffy brush. Mamta Ahuja, from a Chandigarh-based salon, gives another an alternative, "If one wants to give the illusion of sheer make-up, one can dab a light apricot colour or peach colour on the apples of the cheeks and team it up with a neutral gloss. This should complete the sun lit look." For the bronze, apply where the sun naturally hits the face-forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. However, be careful as to either use a bronzer or a blush.

Several celebrity make-up artists have often emphasised the need to keep shine at bay. Warm humid nights call for powder. Those with oily skin, can powder their T-zone and leave the cheeks dewy for that natural finish. It doesn't take much to glow.

Pick and choose
Go mineral

Depending on your skin type, all the cream-based formulations should give way to water based products. If you are using powder-based products either as shimmer, or for coverage, replace them with mineral based products. Alternatively, this is the best time to explore the all natural line of products.

Keep it light

While the winter time and festivities call for heavy make-up textures, the same cannot be true for the summer when one starts sweating even while moving in and out. Instead of the heavy foundation, use a tinted moisturiser or blend your regular foundation with water-based moisturiser for the tinted effect.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Doc Talk
Cut & dried
A proper knowledge of wound care is important to minimise the chances of getting an ugly scar
Dr Vikas Sharma

Whenever anyone gets a cut or wound on the skin, one thing that no one wants is a cosmetically disfiguring post-treatment scar.

Skin wounds are common at all ages, and something that we've all had to deal with. We've all had wounds that vary from tiny nicks to large cuts and gashes that need to be stitched. A proper knowledge of wound care is thus of paramount importance to minimise the chances of getting a cosmetically ugly scar. The purpose of medical care for wounds is to prevent complications and preserve function. However, with the advancements in wound treatment care the cosmetic results too have become an important consideration for wound repair.

The time frame from when the initial injury occurred, and when medical care is sought, is an important consideration. The longer a wound is left open, the higher the risk of infection if it is sutured. If the wound is older than 6 to 12 hours, it may not be sutured. Among the many methods for closing wounds of the skin, stitching, or suturing, is the most common form and other methods include surgical staples, skin closure tapes, and adhesives. Having stitches is a procedure that many people dread. Understanding the various skin-closure procedures and knowing how they are put in and what to expect when they are removed can help overcome much of this anxiety. Sutures are divided into two general categories, namely, absorbable and non-absorbable.

All sutured wounds that require stitches will have some scar formation, and this can be further reduced to very minimal almost negligible by following strict skin care routine, a proper timing, selecting a proper suture thread and getting specialised treatment post stitch removal. Surgical staples are also useful for closing many types of wounds. Disadvantages of staples are permanent scars if used inappropriately. Staples are used on scalp lacerations and commonly used to close surgical wounds. Skin closure tapes, also known as adhesive strips, have recently gained popularity. The advantages of skin closure tapes are plenty. The rate of wound infection is less with adhesive strips than with stitches. Also, it takes less time to apply skin closure tape.

A stitch in time

If a person has received stitches, they should follow instructions for taking care of the stitches and wound.

Keep wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours.
Bathing is allowed after 48 hours.
Bandages can safely be removed from the wound after 48 hours, unless the wound continues to bleed or has a discharge. If bandages are kept in place and get wet, the wet bandage should be replaced with a clean dry bandage.
Notify the doctor if a suture becomes loosened or breaks.
When scheduled to have the stitches removed, be sure to make an appointment with a person qualified to remove the stitches.

Physiologic dressings may be used to promote healing instead of suturing in the elderly due to their very fragile skin.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermato surgeon)

it’s rocking
Creating waves

If electro-pop music were to find a catchy guitar loop to hang a song on while building up on the beat patterns which neither clutter, nor fade, you would rather say that the artiste is playing safe. How about trying out Robin Schulz Remix of the song Waves by Mr Probz? Topping the UK Top 40 charts, there is more to this song than just the romantic guitar loop and fancy lyrics. Probably it's the dangerous quality of sound of this song that marks its territory quite close to artistes like Pretty Lights and Dealer De La Musique. It's the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) twining with the groovy trance blues. Ideal food for soul on a lazy summer weekend… Here is what Chandigarh folks are talking about it.

Groovy beat

The beats, the lyrics, and everything about the song gets you in the groove and ever since I heard this track, I am finding it a little hard to get off it. It's stuck in my head. Also, Mr Probz has a beautiful bass quality to his vocals which adds up to the song.

Jagriti Lamba, student DAV College-10

Great vibe

When it comes to music, I go by the vibes and this song is all about vibes. Right from the music, to the lyrics and the video, this song just flows like waves! It's amazing and I have been listening to it for over three days now, that too on the loop.

Kanika Dhiman, private bank employee

Foot-tapping number

With most of the songs sounding more or less the same, it's hard to make good music from the bad one, but leaving the technicalities apart, Waves sounds good even to an almost musically deaf ear. When I see my grand mom tapping her feet in tandem with the music of a song, it is a good song! (Laughs)

Adhiraj Singh, freelance graphic designer

(As told to Amarjot Kaur)

star track
I am not pregnant: Vidya

Vidya Balan opted out of the IIFA event and has not been keeping her commitments lately.

Vidya Balan
candid chat: Vidya Balan

Health issues

For the past few months, I am having some niggling health issues that I'm trying to sort out. I've been travelling a lot over the past few months and another long distance trip would have been exhausting.

Leaving Rani Durga Singh

It was not an easy decision. He couldn't believe what he was hearing and I couldn't believe what I was saying. But I had a valid reason. In our industry, health is the last priority but I couldn't afford to neglect mine any further. If Mohit Suri's Hamari Adhuri Kahani had started in March according to the original schedule, I would have opted out of that film too.

Second choice

Who am I to decide if Kangana Ranaut will do justice to the role or not? Kangana is a good actress. And Sujoy is a wonderful director. He will make a nice film.

Hamari Adhuri Kahani

I am absolutely doing it. We plan to roll in October or November. I am really excited about doing a film for which Mahesh Bhatt has written a script after 14 years.

Pregnancy rumours

I'm fed up of these rumours. These days people look at my stomach when they talk to me. Why are actors and actresses treated differently in this industry? Recently, a young actress did something to look different and she was castigated. Haven't male actors got cosmetic jobs done? Inshallah, I will have a baby, but not so soon. I'm not mentally ready for motherhood yet. It's a daunting task to be responsible for another human being.

Special treat

When you are in love, you are ready to travel the distance to make it special. With Anushka celebrating her birthday on May 1, it is expected that Virat Kohli will try to make it special for his lady love. Source informs that Virat might fly to Rajasthan to spend time with Anushka Sharma on her birthday

Virat and Anushka's secret rendezvous have always caught media's attention. First it was Anushka who flew down to New Zealand to spend time with Virat and Virat then reciprocated back by visiting her in Sri Lanka on the sets of Bombay Velvet.

The chances of Virat visiting Anushka on May 1 seem strong because his team RCB will be playing their next match in India only on May 4 and Virat is currently in India. So in all possibility, Virat could be by Anushka's side on her birthday.

Rumour has it that Virat has also made a special video featuring wishes from her pals, including Ranbir Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap and others. Well, looks like this birthday will be extra special for Anushka and no prizes for guessing why!

Going solo

Universal Music via Interscope Geffen A& M releases I Can't Make You Love Me (ICMYLM), the latest single of Priyanka Chopra's much-anticipated debut album. Chopra's new track, a fresh and contemporary EDM ballad, is produced by German DJ and producer Manual Manian Reuter and went `live' across all digital outlets in India on April 22.

Within three hours of its release, the single had climbed to No 3 on the iTunes India overall `singles' chart and subsequently peaked at No 1 on a chart that includes Bollywood music too. The song's video, set for release on May 1, features actor Milo Ventimiglia (of NBC television series Heroes fame). The video is conceptualised and directed by acclaimed duo Jeff Nicholas and Jonathan Craven of The Uprising Creative, whose credits include Rihanna's Take Care, Justin Timberlake's Take Back The Night and Shakira's Empire. Says Priyanka Chopra, "This is one of my favourite tracks on the album.

It's my ode to a classic, a song that I love, and one that says so much— this is for the actor in me". She continues, "My fans have been super supportive on my previous two International singles In My City and Exotic and now I can't wait to hear what they think of my latest single, which for the first time is just `me' on the track!".

A still from Dawat-E-Ishq Dawat has to wait

The release date of Dawat-E-Ishq was shifted to September 5 because Aditya Chopra saw the cut of the movie and wanted some additions to be made. The extra shooting will take time so the release date was postponed.




A still from Dawat-E-Ishq

Meet the Shaukeen girl

Famous model and actor Lisa Haydon has her first leading role in Shaukeen. She talks about a champagne shower on the first day of shooting, Queen's success and more.

Leading on

Shaukeen was the first lead role I've been offered and there's no way I'd have turned it down. More than sexy, I'd say the character I play in the film is one funny and crazy chick.

Three oldies and a girl

Akshay Kumar may have a huge fan following and a large body of work but in this film each character is well-etched out by Tigmanshu Dhulia and there's little chance of anyone fading into the background. It's the story of three old men-lovable lechers -who fall for a young girl, played by me. I'll get my screen time. Moreover, Akshay is very kind.

Good going

Queen is a realistic film and Vijaylakshmi is there for a reason. It is Rani's story but turned out to be my breakthrough film. It feels great to have people acknowledge that I can act too!

Shraddha turns a singer

There is no doubt that the soundtrack of Ek Villain is among the year's most eagerly awaited.

After all Mohit Suri's previous films, Zeher, Woh Lamhe, Awarapan, Murder-2, Raaz-2 and Aashiqui-2, have been musical hits and what Balaji and Suri have come up in their maiden outing together is excitement. While the soundtrack of Ek Villain is due to release shortly, word has it that Shraddha Kapoor has turned a singer for her director. Shraddha is the daughter of Shivangi Kolhapure, who is Lata Mangeshkar's niece. The track titled Galliyan is a duet with composer-singer Ankit Tiwari, who shot to fame with Sunn Raha Hai Na Tu (Aashiqui-2). The original Galliyan, a solo rendition by Ankit Tiwari, will be the first track from the film to be unveiled soon.

Queen vs Rani

Queen had a great opening weekend but Revolver Rani has not pleased audiences as much. The film has collected Rs 6 crore only in its opening weekend though reviews have been good. Now, let's see if it grows.

Pleasant surprise

Shahid Kapoor was extremely surprised when Kareena Kapoor Khan who was with husband Saif Ali Khan greeted him cordially on the IIFA stage when he was co-hosting the segment with Farhan Akhtar.

chatter box
Risky relocation

Imagine the task of trucking two of the most precious steam locomotives across the Atlantic Ocean from North America to the UK or the Herculean task of hauling a brand new £20 million Search and Rescue Helicopter 3,500 miles to the Shetland Islands! Discovery Science takes you behind the scene of how mega structures get relocated in the new season of Mega Moves.

Premiering on May 2, the series will air every Friday to Sunday at 9 pm only on Discovery Science. Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, "Discovery Science has always been innovating through its unmatched content to offer captivating viewing experience to everyone. Towards this endeavour, Discovery Science brings the new season of its popular series Mega Moves, which features some of the most daring and risky relocation projects ever attempted."

Stills from Mega Moves
Stills from Mega Moves

Each episode of Mega Moves will showcase the physics and the daunting challenge behind the trucking of oversize objects. The series begins with Titanic Train Trek in which a team of British engineers attempt to haul two historic A4 Pacific steam locomotives — each worth more than £2 million - more than five thousand miles across the Atlantic to the National Railway Museum in York. In the next one, an expert team of heavy haulers attempts to transport a massive World War One artillery gun 400 miles from the Royal Artillery in Wiltshire to a museum in Utrecht, Holland. The rare 200-ton gun was designed to be moved around the Western Front on rail lines.

This year, the stakes are higher for the haulers and the owners. The experience will be tested and revealed in the exciting series of Mega Moves.

Cool & chic

Actress Vahbbiz Dorabjee, who is currently a part of daily soap Saraswatichandra, is gorgeous and fashionable. Here she reveals her fashion quotient.

What is fashion according to you?

Fashion is comfort. I think one must wear clothes that one can carry off well instead of following trends.

Who chooses clothes for you?

My mom; she is a fashion designer and my rescuer every time I run out of new clothes.

Are you fond of accessories?

No, I am not very fond of them. However, I do like to wear rings.

Do you follow any brands?

Yes, I like Guess, Zara and Forever New.

What is your favourite shopping destination?

Bangkok and London.

Clothes you are comfortable in.

Dresses, you will always find me in them.

Favourite designer.

Manish Malhotra.

Must-have in your wallet.

Debit cards, lip gloss, kajal, God's photo and a sanitizer.

Colour that fills your wardrobe.

I experiment with all colours, but my favourite is pink.

— HRM

Baby time

Actor Karanvir Bohra and his wife Teejay, who are currently seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi, are planning a baby now. While Karanvir is taking up more acting assignments, his actress wife Teejay will take a break after KKK.

Being judge

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli, who started his career with television, is all set to return to the medium to judge a new show called Ticket To Bollywood on NDTV. He will be a judge on the show along with Mukesh Chabria and Mahima Chowdhary. It's going to be a talent-hunt show.

All is well

Paridhi Sharma, who plays the title role in Jodha Akbar, almost quit the TV show a few weeks ago over differences with her director Santram Verma. The actress revoked her decision after the production house stopped the director from shooting her scenes. A new director has been called to shoot her.

No child’s play

Popular super-hero show Baal Veer entertains kids and takes them on magical trips to fairyland. Being popular among the younger audience segment, Baal Veer has also gained traction amongst the adult male and female audience sections in the last few weeks, making it a wholesome family entertainer in all aspects. It has successfully ousted popular shows like Mahadev and Hatim.

Getting real

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar recently shot for a special episode of reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega with Farah Khan and Anu Malik. He was amazed at the talent. The show is based on the internationally popular format of American entertainer 30 Seconds to Fame.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Being able to tie up all loose ends will be your priority today. Work will take up quite a bit of your time and attention but once you've dealt with it, things will ease out. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 44.

TAURUS: Start the day by mending strained relationships with either a family member or a friend. Reach out and let that person know you still care a lot. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 35.

GEMINI: The day begins on a favourable note. Now is the time to make some changes in your daily life, so that you can enjoy the element of newness and freshness. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 28.

CANCER: The day will be more challenging than usual. As a result, you will have to exercise all your intuitiveness and be as realistic as possible. At work, efficiency will bring good results. Tarot message: Retain the fruits of your hardwork. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 32.

LEO: Express what you feel is important. Showing love, support and friendship is the order of the day. Take a step and then stick to it. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 49.

VIRGO: It is important to concentrate on your core beliefs, values and morals since they will play an important role in your life. Relaxing and spending time with friends and family will make you happy. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 26.

LIBRA: Business people will need some permission from government agencies and be able to rely on influential friends for the same. Money matters will not pose a huge concern. Tarot message: Frankness is your strong point. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 62.

SCORPIO: Decision-making should be quicker if you know what your heart really wants. Believe in yourself and use both your head as well as heart when dealing with various issues. Tarot message: Avoid friction with business partners. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 57.

SAGITTARIUS: Some of you will get surprising news. For health reasons, it is important that you don't worry about minor things excessively. In relationships, don't become too controlling Tarot message: Your own aims, ideas and opinion matter a lot. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 38.

CAPRICORN: Finances and health will not be a major concern, but this is a good day to get routine tests done. Relationships, marriage and friendships will be the highlight of the day. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties on time. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 41.

AQUARIUS: This will be a day for love and romance; singles will form special and lasting relationships. Communication will be vital in your personal and professional life, so pay attention to what you say and write. Tarot message: Your determination will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52.

PISCES: The presence of Mercury in your sign for some more time will help you handle any disappointment that comes your way either at work or in personal relationships. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Magic number: 63.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 1...

Get inspiration from the theme of May Day and translate it in practical life to be successful. Everything will go well - no need to complain. You'll earn more than the average. New opportunities will give you a positive vision. Don't be too servile towards your beloved. Simply try to be affable and go along with his or her wishes in a reasonable way.

If in job, change of place is on your cards. You will have to work out a lot this year. Long distance friendships are also seen. The period is favourable to increase your assets and buy some luxuries. Children will take most of your time; you will stay busy in planning their future.

Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Cream.

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7.

Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Ruby.

Charity on birthday: Donate yellow edible items to the needy or handicapped or at any religious place today.

You share your birthday with Anushka Sharma (May 1, 1988, Ayodhya), who made her acting debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and then acted in romantic comedy Band Baaja Baaraat. The number 1 and Taurus star sign make her the most promising contemporary actresses.





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